NEWS RELEASE

International Amateur Radio Union
P.O. Box 310905
Newington, CT 06131-0905 USA
FAX: +1 860 594 0259
E-Mail: iaru@iaru.org

14 August 2006

For immediate release

IARU Administrative Council Reviews Role and Structure of the IARU

The Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) held its annual meeting on 12-14 August 2006 in Bangalore, India, following the IARU Region 3 Conference. The Council took the following actions:

1. A progress report was received from an ad hoc committee that is investigating the future role and structure of the IARU. Council confirmed that it desires the committee to continue its work and to provide a recommendation by the end of 2006 addressing the feasibility, budget and possible timetable for the implementation of a revised structure.

2. A study of improving coordination on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) matters prepared by the International Secretariat was reviewed and its conclusions and recommendations were tentatively agreed subject to receiving additional input from the IARU EMC Adviser. The study includes several suggestions for improving the flow of information among radio amateurs worldwide who are working on this important topic.

3. Continuing the strategic planning initiative begun in 2003, progress on a three-year plan for the development of support for amateur radio frequency allocations was reviewed. The plan includes maintaining and increasing contact with regional telecommunications organizations by the IARU through its regional organizations.

4. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meetings at which IARU representation will be required for the coming year were identified, and plans for representation were reviewed. The principal focus continues to be on preparations for the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07).

5. Three humanitarian aid workers were named as the initial honorees for inclusion in the IARU Memorial for Amateurs Killed in Humanitarian Service. They are Pero Simundza, 9A4SP, Carlos Luis Caceres, KD4SYB, and Nadisha Yassari Ranmuthu, 4S7NR.

6. Plans for IARU participation in Telecom World 2006 and the accompanying Forum were reviewed. Telecom World 2006 is being held in Hong Kong, 4-8 December.

7. The budget for 2007-2009 as presented by the International Secretariat (ARRL) was reviewed. The budget includes provision for financial contributions from the three regional organizations to defray a portion of the expenses, in accordance with previously adopted policy.

8. An IARU exploratory committee was created to investigate ways to progress a commonly adopted amateur license that would permit amateurs to operate in countries other than their own without the need for a permit issued by the Administration of the country visited.

9. Problems facing the QSL bureaus operated by IARU member-societies were discussed. It is recognized that the forwarding of QSL cards represents a significant financial burden for some member-societies.

10. Reports from each of the three IARU regional organizations were received and discussed. The Council recognized that member-societies in all regions face financial challenges.

11. A report on the 2006 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference, held in June in Tampere, Finland, was reviewed. It was agreed to publish the Statement of GAREC-06 on behalf of the Conference in order to bring it to the attention of IARU member-societies. International Coordinator for Emergency Communications Hans Zimmermann, F5VKP/HB9AQS, was thanked for his continuing work in this important field, including preparation of an IARU Emergency Communications Handbook.

12. Reports of the other IARU international coordinators and advisers were received. They are International Beacon Project Coordinator Peter Jennings, AB6WM/VE3SUN; Satellite Adviser Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV; EMC Adviser Christian Verholt, OZ8CY;  and Interim Monitoring System International Coordinator Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG.

13. A working document describing the requirements for radio spectrum allocations to the amateur and amateur-satellite services was reviewed. References to the need for an amateur allocation in the vicinity of 5 MHz were strengthened.

14. The International Secretariat agreed to undertake efforts to increase the visibility of IARU activities within the Amateur Radio community worldwide.

The next scheduled meeting of the Council will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in May 2007.

Attending the Bangalore meeting were IARU President Larry Price, W4RA; Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA; Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ; regional representatives Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, Don Beattie, G3BJ, Rod Stafford, W6ROD, Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AMH, Chandru Ramchandra, VU2RCR, K. C. Selvadurai, 9V1UV, and Peter Lake, ZL2AZ; and recording secretary Paul Rinaldo, W4RI.

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